Gilfoyle. Capitalizing on the rapid growth of New York City's economy during the late 19th century, the wealthy elite of the city sought to create a new kind of urban space that would reflect their status and privilege. This book explores how the city's upper class used their power and influence to shape the physical environment of Manhattan, creating a unique landscape of grand parks, cultural institutions, and luxury apartments that set it apart from other cities in America. The author argues that this process of urban development was driven by a desire to assert social dominance over the city's working-class residents, and that it ultimately contributed to the creation of a more unequal society. Through a detailed examination of the lives of the city's most influential residents, including business leaders, politicians, and artists, the book offers a nuanced understanding of how the modern metropolis was formed and how it continues to evolve today. In Pursuit of Privilege is an important contribution to our understanding of urban history and the role of class in shaping American society. It challenges readers to think critically about the relationship between wealth and power in modern society and encourages them to consider what kind of future they want for their own cities. In Pursuit of Privilege A History of New York City’s Upper Class and the Making of a Metropolis by Timothy J. Gilfoyle In Pursuit of Privilege: A History of New York City’s Upper Class and the Making of a Metropolis by Timothy J.

''